
8.
Knowing the ambition of each of His disciples to be greatest
in His kingdom, what object lesson did Jesus give them? John
13:4, 5.
NOTE.—"Another cause of dissension had arisen. At a feast it was
customary for a servant to wash the feet ,of the guests, and on this occasion
preparation had been made for the service. The pitcher, the basin, and the
towel were there, in readiness for the feet washing; but no servant was
present, and it was the disciples' part to perform it. But each of the disciples,
yielding to wounded pride, determined not to act the part of a servant. All
manifested a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious that there was anything
for them to do. By their silence they refused to humble themselves.. . .
"This action opened the eyes of the disciples. Bitter shame and humilia-
tion filled their hearts. They understood the unspoken rebuke, and saw
themselves in altogether a new light."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 644.
9.
When Jesus came to Peter, what question did Peter ask? How
did Jesus reply? John 13:6, 7.
10.
'When Peter saw Jesus doing that which he himself had de-
termined not to do, what did Peter say? What answer did Jesus
kindly make? John 13:8.
NOTE.—"The service which Peter refused was the type of a higher cleans-
ing. Christ had come to wash the heart from the stain of sin. In refusing to
allow Christ to wash his feet, Peter was refusing the higher cleansing in-
cluded in the lower. He was really rejecting his Lord. . . .
"At the words, 'If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me,' Peter
surrendered his pride and self-will. He could not endure the thought of
separation from Christ; that would have been death to
him."—The Desire
of Ages,
page 646.
•
Heart Cleansing
11.
As the Spirit of God opened to Peter's heart the deep mean-
ing of the Saviour's act, how did he reveal his longing desire for
complete salvation? How did Jesus respond to Peter's desire?
John 13:9, 10.
NOTE.—"When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to wash the dust from
their feet, He desired by that very act to wash the alienation, jealousy, and
pride from their hearts. This was of far more consequence than the washing
of their dusty feet. With the spirit they then had, not one of them was pre-
pared for communion with Christ. Until brought into a state of humility
and love, they were not prepared to partake of the paschal supper, or to
share in the memorial service which Christ was about to institute. Their
hearts must be cleansed. Pride and self-seeking create dissension and hatred,
but all this Jesus washed away in washing their feet. A change of feeling
was brought about. Looking upon them, Jesus could say, 'Ye are clean.'
Now there was union of heart, love for one another. They had become
humble and teachable. Except Judas, each was ready to concede to an-
other the highest place. Now with subdued and grateful hearts they could
receive Christ's words."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 646.
12.
What reference did Jesus make to His betrayer? Of what
defilement was He speaking? John 13:11; Mark 7:20-23.
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